Opinion
05-22-01244-CV
01-10-2023
VICKY WEST ON BEHALF OF LAURA WEST, Appellant v. GARNET HILL REHABITATION SKILLED CARE, Appellee
On Appeal from the 134th Judicial District Court Dallas County, Texas Trial Court Cause No. DC-22-03216
Before Justices Pedersen, III, Goldstein, and Smith
MEMORANDUM OPINION
CRAIG SMITH JUSTICE
Vicky West filed this appeal on behalf of Laura West. The Court directed Vicky, who is not a licensed attorney, to file a letter brief stating under what authority she represented Laura. Alternatively, we noted that Laura could represent herself in this appeal and file an amended notice of appeal stating such fact or retain counsel. Laura did not file an amended notice of appeal.
A person who is not a licensed attorney may not represent other persons or entities in legal matters. See Tex. R. Civ. P. 7; Harkins v. Murphy & Bolanz, 51 Tex.Civ.App. 568, 112 S.W. 136, 138 (Tex. Civ. App.-Dallas 1908, writ dism'd) (power of attorney does not authorize one to act as attorney-at-law). In her letter brief, Vicky states that Laura is incapable of representing herself but provides no legal authority showing she is able to represent Laura. Because Laura does not have counsel and did not file an amended notice of appeal and Vicky is not authorized to represent her, we dismiss the appeal. See Tex. R. Civ. P. 7; Harkins, 112 S.W. at 138.
JUDGMENT
In accordance with this Court's opinion of this date, the appeal is DISMISSED.